The elbow joint, with its intricate anatomy, plays a pivotal role in the upper limb's functional movements. Common surgical indications include epicondylitis, osteoarthritis, tendon tears, and neuropathies. Irrespective of the nature of surgery, appropriate postoperative rehabilitation is essential to enhance recovery, optimize functional outcomes, and minimize complications. Protective measures for the elbow vary based on the surgical procedure is performed. Extended postoperative immobilization is generally not advised. Temporary splints may be utilized to protect the soft tissues in the immediate aftermath of surgery, with patients advised to intermittently remove them to facilitate elbow movement. To increase mobility while ensuring the safety of repaired tendons or ligaments, articulated dynamic braces are recommended. This review delivers clinically useful recommendations specific to various surgical procedures, designed to be user-friendly even for non-specialists in orthopaedic surgery.

Pain originating from the elbow can be due to issues affecting the joint itself or the structures surrounding it. These structures include the medial and lateral epicondyles, associated ligaments, the origins of wrist flexor and extensor muscles, the olecranon bursa, the distal biceps tendon, and the radial and ulnar nerves. Pain that appears to originate from a different location may actually be referred pain, potentially stemming from the neck (cervical radiculopathy) or the shoulder. Among complaints related to the elbow, lateral elbow pain is the most frequently reported. This pain could originate from the lateral epicondyle, the radiohumeral joint, or it could be referred pain from other areas. Medial elbow pain is the second most common complaint, often resulting from issues with the medial epicondyle or the ulnar nerve as it travels through the cubital tunnel. The biceps tendon is frequently the cause of anterior elbow pain. Patients who report swelling in the elbow are often experiencing olecranon bursitis. These conditions can often be effectively managed through conservative treatment. The aim of this article is to provide a structured approach to addressing patients with elbow pain, by detailing the common causes of such discomfort and exploring effective nonsurgical treatment options.

Elbow pain is a common symptom encountered in clinical practice. Pathology can arise from any component of the joint, including the bone, tendons, ligament, bursa, or nerves. This paper discusses how elbow pain can be differentiated according to its anatomic location and presents the corresponding causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.